Global regulators have published a report presenting the outcomes of a workshop on COVID-19 vaccine development that was convened under the umbrella of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA). The meeting report provides an overview of regulatory considerations related to COVID-19 vaccine development and data required for regulatory decision-making on two key points: Pre-clinical data […]
Read More
Coronavirus: supporting EU’s agri-food sector
Ensuring food security and an effective food supply chain across the continent remains one of the Commission’s priorities. Following the outbreak of coronavirus, the European Union’s agri-food sector is showing its resilience and continues to provide Europeans with high quality and safe food. Nonetheless, farmers and producers are facing difficulties and increasing pressure. The Commission […]
Read More
Social distancing and how it can slow down the spread of coronavirus
Scientists and public health professionals say social distancing is key to preventing coronavirus from a more rapid spread worldwide. With Europe being the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more and more countries are restricting the movement of citizens to avoid outbreaks of cases that would overwhelm health systems. […]
Read More
PCR and rapid tests for coronavirus diagnosis. How do they work, and how do they differ?
The diagnosis of coronavirus infection has been made since the beginning of the epidemic thanks to the PCR test; this technique has been complemented by rapid diagnostic tests, which are easier to use and allow results to be obtained in 15 minutes from the person’s home PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is commonly and routinely […]
Read More
Coronavirus: EU countries to get help from Solidarity Fund
The European Parliament is mobilising additional funds to help the EU countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. In an extraordinary plenary session on Thursday 26 March, MEPs will vote on a European Commission proposal to allow member states to request financial assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund in their fight against Covid-19. The proposal is part of a […]
Read More
COVID-19: Letter by President Charles Michel to the people of Spain
Dear people of Spain, Today the world is almost unrecognisable from a few weeks ago. The European Union – and the world – is in the grips of a pandemic. Spain is truly on the front lines. I would like to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of so many lives. It is with […]
Read More
Covid-19: How unprecedented data sharing has led to faster-than-ever outbreak research
Advances in gene sequencing have allowed scientists to trace and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic faster than any previous outbreak. When the new coronavirus (formally known as SARS-CoV-2) was identified in China in January, scientists around the world were ready to respond. The virus’s entire genetic makeup, or genome, was published online within days. By comparison, during the […]
Read More
FIFA and OMS campaign to kick out coronavirus
FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers, who are calling on all people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the disease. The “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign […]
Read More
COVID-19: action to procure life-saving medical equipment
Parliament is working with member states to ensure that the EU can buy ventilators, masks and other medical equipment to be put at the disposal of hospitals across the EU. rescEU Last week, the Commission set up a scheme to gather medical equipment (through rescEU) so that the necessary supplies to combat COVID-19 can quickly get […]
Read More